Question

7. Explain two distinct functions that committees serve in Congress. In the process, also explain how political parties affect the structure and behavior of committees in Congress.

Answer 1

Committees are a very important part of the legislative process. Senate committees monitor ongoing government operations , identify issues that are appropriate for legislative review, collect and evaluate information, and recommend actions to the Senate. Thousands of bills and resolutions are referred to Senate committees during every two years of Congress. The Senate divides the work between standing committees, special or select committees and joint committees to handle the scope and complexity. In addition, these committees are divided into subcommittees. Just a small percentage of all the steps submitted to committees are considered

When a committee or sub-committee agrees to consider a plan, 4 measures are normally taken.

The committee is asking the relevant executive agencies for written comment.
Hearings are held to gather additional information and opinions from experts who are not members of the committee.
The committee is working through amendments to the bill or resolution to perfect the measure.
The committee will submit the bill back to the full Senate until the wording is decided. Sometimes, it also includes a summary explaining the measure 's intent.

Although political parties don't play as big a role in elections as they once did, they still have the basic leadership structure in Congress.

Following each legislative election the party that wins the most seats is designated the "majority" in each house, and the other party is labeled the "minority." These designations are relevant since the majority party occupies the most powerful leadership positions, such as House Speaker. Usually, both houses are held by the same party but sometimes they are split. The House majority, for example, was Democratic from 1983-1985, and the majority in the Senate was Republican.